21 Delicious Slow Cooker Rice Dishes for Busy Weeknights

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Delightful meals are just a few clicks away, thanks to the versatility of the slow cooker. When it comes to comforting food, nothing beats a Crockpot recipe that combines flavors and convenience in one pot. Meat and potatoes may be the usual suspects in the slow cooker, but these 13 mouthwatering rice recipes are worth trying out. From classic combinations like chicken and rice to creamy desserts like rice pudding, the possibilities are endless in this beloved cooking appliance.

Lazy Slow Cooker Rice

Lazy Slow Cooker Rice

Gently incorporating the principles of slow cooking into your daily meals can elevate even the simplest dishes, like a perfectly prepared pot of white rice. To start, rinse your rice under cold water to remove excess starch from the grains, ensuring each kernel is clean and free from impurities. Next, lightly coat the inside of your pot with oil and then add the required amount of rice and water, taking care not to overcrowd the pot.

This straightforward recipe serves as a versatile foundation for a variety of flavor profiles, allowing you to season it according to your heart’s desire for any recipe you have in mind.

Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Elevating the humble chicken and rice dish to new heights, this classic staple is a must-have for any kitchen. It’s not only frugal and easy to prepare but also caters perfectly to kids’ tastes and provides the ultimate comfort food experience. What more could one ask for? This recipe stands out from the crowd by incorporating subtle yet ingenious tweaks that elevate the dish to unprecedented levels of flavor and satisfaction.

The clever addition of Greek yogurt imparts a rich, creamy tanginess, while Dijon mustard brings a charming, rustic spiced flair. The result is nothing short of pure gastronomic bliss – simple, flavorful, and utterly comforting.

Slow Cooker Spanish Rice

Slow Cooker Spanish Rice

Honoring the traditional flavors of Spain, this authentic Spanish rice is a true delight. The slow cooker’s magic allows you to achieve the rich, complex taste of expertly prepared spiced rice with minimal effort required. At its core, this recipe relies on a crucial step: sautéing the rice and onions before transferring all the ingredients to the slow cooker, where they can simmer away without any further intervention.

The finishing touches come in the form of a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of fragrant cilantro, elevating the dish to new heights of flavor and presentation. With its perfect balance of texture and color, this Spanish rice is sure to impress! Serve it up with pride and enjoy the rave reviews.

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Slow Cooker Mushroom Rice

Slow Cooker Mushroom Rice

Absolutely one of my favorite fall side dishes is buttery mushrooms and rice, offering a warm and cozy experience that’s incredibly easy to prepare in the slow cooker! The combination of caramelized onions, mushrooms, broth, and butter in the slow cooker creates a deliciously comforting dish that’s ready to be devoured after just 2 hours.

This rice pairs perfectly with simple grilled salmon and asparagus, but let’s be honest – it’s so good on its own you might not even want to add any other accompaniments! Whether you’re looking for a hassle-free main course or a tasty side dish, this slow-cooked buttery mushrooms and rice is sure to become a staple in your household.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup

Prepared for a quick and delicious meal, this chicken and rice soup recipe stands out from the more common chicken noodle soup. This versatile dish has become my trusted companion on busy evenings, as there’s always enough to share with family and friends. A medley of mirepoix, fresh herbs, and tender chicken and rice come together in a rich broth that’s both nourishing and flavorful. To avoid the dreaded mushy texture, parboiled rice is essential.

However, if you can’t find this specific type, cooking your rice separately and then stirring it into the soup just before serving remains an effective solution.

Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Rice

Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Rice

By combining pork chops with a simple mixture of mushroom soup, seasonings, broth, and rice, you can create a delicious and budget-friendly meal. This effortless dinner is as straightforward as setting your Crockpot in the morning and forgetting about it until evening. Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, and let the magic happen. The result will be tender and juicy pork chops that practically fall apart on their fork, making every bite a pleasure.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its ease and flavor.

Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Nothing says Louisiana comfort food like a rich and flavorful jambalaya, and this Crockpot version is sure to become a family favorite. Loaded with four types of meat – juicy sausage, tender chicken, savory bacon, and succulent shrimp – this hearty dish can easily feed a crowd.To prevent the rice from becoming mushy or the shrimp from overcooking, there are just a couple of extra steps to follow in this recipe. Expect a little kick of spice and a whole lot of soul with every bite!

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Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Rice

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Rice

Generally, I’m a big fan of slow cooker recipes, and beef tips are no exception. The tender, hearty meat and rich beefy gravy are incredibly irresistible in my eyes! Gathering all your ingredients, including the beef and gravy components, is the first step. Simply pile them into the slow cooker and let it do its magic by cooking low and slow. When you’re finally ready to serve dinner, consider presenting it over a bed of fluffy white rice.

To make cleanup even easier, use separate liners for cooking the beef tips and rice in your slow cooker. Just add the rice to the cooker with about 2 hours left on the beef! This way, you can enjoy a hassle-free meal without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Shipwreck Casserole

Shipwreck Casserole

Years ago, who would have thought that a shipwreck-inspired dish could be both hearty and incredibly satisfying? It may not look like the most appetizing meal, but its flavors are undeniable. Yummy combinations of potatoes, beef, onions, carrots, and rice can be easily layered into a slow cooker, making it an ideal option for families with kids. To bring out the best in this dish, simply pour tomato soup over the top and let the magic happen.

The result is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for those busy weeknights when cooking time is limited.

Mexican Crockpot Casserole

Mexican Crockpot Casserole

Not only do deconstructed enchiladas offer a more sophisticated twist on traditional enchiladas, but they also provide all the comforting warmth of a hearty casserole in every bite. The beauty of these dishes lies in their simplicity and flexibility, making them an excellent choice for busy home cooks who want to serve up a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

When working with ground beef, it’s essential to brown the meat before adding it to your slow cooker, as this step helps to develop the rich flavors that will make or break the dish. By allowing the beef to cook and caramelize in its own juices, you’ll end up with a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve through other means. Once you’ve browned the ground beef, add it to your slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients, then let everything simmer for 2-3 hours on high.

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This will give the flavors ample time to meld together and create a rich, velvety sauce that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. To finish off this Mexican masterpiece, top your casserole with a dollop of sour cream, some diced avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. These bright, citrusy flavors provide an excellent contrast to the warm spices and rich meat, making each bite a delightful experience for the senses.

Crockpot Chicken Fried Rice

Crockpot Chicken Fried Rice

Here’s a confession: I’ve struggled for ages with making perfect pan-fried rice at home. It seems like such an effortless dish, but somehow it always ends up being a disaster! Thankfully, this simple Crockpot recipe has changed everything for me – and it can do the same for you too! With tender chunks of teriyaki chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant vegetables, and rich umami scrambled eggs all coming together in harmony, this easy-peasy fried rice is truly stress-free.

One tip to keep in mind when making this dish: be sure to scramble your eggs separately before folding them into the rice mixture, as they tend to absorb too much if cooked directly with the rest of the ingredients.

Crockpot Rice Pudding

Crockpot Rice Pudding

Elevating this list of desserts is my favorite rice treat, one that’s hard to resist and always worth saving for last. Perhaps this is why we say, “Save the best for last!”This creamy, buttery rice pudding is infused with warm spices and a touch of brown sugar, creating a comforting and subtly sweet flavor profile. It’s so easy to prepare and perfect for those who crave a dessert that doubles as a cozy breakfast option.

In fact, this rice pudding has some unmistakable oatmeal undertones, making it feel like a indulgent treat that’s also guilt-free enough for morning consumption. There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a warm, fuzzy feeling from the inside.

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